The Pentagon has formally lodged a legislative proposal with Congress, requesting the official codification of its name change from the "Department of Defense" to the "Department of War." This move, detailed in a new legislative package, carries an estimated price tag of $52 million and necessitates amendments to approximately 7,600 references in federal law. The department argues the shift is a strategic imperative, aiming to "measure and prioritize all activities" under a more direct title.
The push for this rebranding is not entirely new. =President Donald Trump initiated a move to change the department's name to the Department of War via executive order last September, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly emphasizing the historical ethos of a "War Department" to departmental leaders.= The proposed legislation seeks to amend the U.S. Code, formally changing "Secretary of Defense" to "Secretary of War" and "Department of Defense" to "Department of War."
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This re-formalization effort comes as efforts already underway to implement the change have reportedly exceeded $50 million, covering immediate actions like updating social media handles and internal signage. The Pentagon maintains the renaming will have "no significant impact" on the fiscal year 2027 budget, a statement likely to be scrutinized by lawmakers.
Congressional Crossroads
The request sets the stage for a potential clash in Congress, particularly with Democrats. =Senator Angus King (I-ME) has been a prominent critic, publicly voicing opposition and penning an op-ed rejecting the "Department of War" designation, arguing for the continued use of "Department of Defense."= This legislative proposal is expected to be debated as lawmakers begin work on the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill, indicating a potential legislative battleground over the department's nomenclature.
Historical Echoes
The terminology shift harks back to an earlier era of American military organization. Prior to 1947, the agency responsible for military affairs was known as the War Department. =An act of Congress two years later established the Department of Defense, a shift that some argue represented a move toward a more politically correct or less overtly aggressive posture, which President Trump has openly criticized, linking his administration's successes to a more direct approach.= The restoration of the "War Department" title is framed by proponents as a proactive stance for "peace through strength."
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